Ararat Brandy
The Ararat brandy is the undisputed leader in the premium brandies category since 1887. The production is made exclusively from local grape varieties to maintain the special properties that blend harmoniously with the Caucasian oak barrels, used for aging of the authentic Armenian brandy...
Molokans – Adding Ethnic Color To A Homogeneous Armenia
Molokans are a Russian Christian sect, which split from Russia’s Orthodox Church in the 16th century, and were persecuted under the Russian tsars. By the early 19h century, the Molokans sought refuge in Armenia and in other South Caucasus countries. Currently they number about 3,000...
Vank Cathedral: A Gorgeous Fusion Of Islamic & Armenian Architecture
The Armenian Holy Savior Cathedral (Surb Amenaprkich Vank), also known the Church of the Saintly Sisters, is a cathedral located in the New Julfa district of Isfahan, Iran. The delicately blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of the creation of the...
White Storks – A Cultural Icon Of Armenia
The Stork ("Aragil") is traditionally considered a sacred bird in Armenian legends and mythology, and it was regarded as the messenger of Ara the Beautiful, as well as the defender of fields. As such, the stork has often been a source of inspiration from the...
Zhingyalov Hats – Armenia’s Favorite Snack
Zhingyalov hats, or jingalov hats - is a hallmark dish from Nagorno-Karabakh (Republic of Artsakh), and if you ever visit the Stepanakert bustling market, you can taste the real deal made fresh in front of you. In recent years, the popularity of this Vegan friendly...
Matenadaran
A highlight of any visit to Armenia, Matenadaran, officially the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts – is a museum, repository of manuscripts and a research institute in Yerevan. It holds one of the world's richest depositories of medieval manuscripts and books which span a...
Yazidis In Armenia
Armenian Yazidis are a subgroup of Yazidis settled in Armenia, where they form the largest minority group. They are recognized as a distinct ethnic group in Armenia and are well integrated into the Armenian society, with freedom of religion and non-interference in their cultural traditions. ...
Ishkhan – The Most Popular Armenian Freshwater Fish
Ishkhan is considered a delicacy in Armenia, and can be prepared in an infinite number of ways, usually poached and flavored with bay leaves, fresh tarragon, and peppercorns. You can order it be boiled, grilled, fried or braised with almonds. It is also delicious when...
The Last Armenian King Is Not Buried In Armenia
The remains of the last Armenian king rest in the Basilica of St. Denis, France, alongside other members of French monarchy. Leon V was the last king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. Cilicia had served for almost three centuries as a bastion of Christianity...
Armenian Basturma
Armenian Basturma is highly seasoned, air-dried raw beef, flavored with garlic and chaman paste (the mix of pungent spices that’s heavy on fenugreek and paprika). The first recorded mention of Basturma was between 95-45 BC in Armenia during the reign of Tigranes the Great....